Chorus Membership Information

MISSION STATEMENT
Formed in 1995, the San Francisco Lyric Chorus is an auditioned,medium-sized, mixed-voice chorus that performs a diverse repertoire with an emphasis on classical choral music and rarely performed works. We are an inclusive and welcoming community of singers, committed to excellent musicianship and creative programming.

VOCAL REQUIREMENTS
Singers must have the ability to learn a part and sing with a pleasant, blending voice. Auditions include demonstrations of sight reading, musicianship skills, range, and the ability to sing a part unaccompanied. They are scheduled by appointment with the Music Director. For futher information, contact Helene Whitson at (415) 721-4077 (Chorus message phone) or hwhitson@sflc.org.. To arrange an audition, contact Music Director Robert Gurney at 415-721-4077, or info@sflc.org

Singers returning to the chorus after more than two trimesters absence will be asked to sing for the Music Director.

MEMBERSHIP
Membership candidates are invited to sing with the chorus for 8 weeks, and will be informed of their final acceptance by the Music Director. In the event the Music Director determines the candidate should not continue with the Chorus, membership dues will be returned.

FEES
$150 per trimester, payable within the first 3 weeks of the trimester.

REFUNDS
The San Francisco Lyric Chorus will refund dues up to four rehearsals into a trimester for those who have joined and who are unable to continue with the Chorus. Refunds must be requested by the departing chorister and must be approved by the Board.

MUSIC PURCHASE PRICE
Cost of the music, including shipping and taxes. No music will be distributed without payment.

REHEARSALS
Rehearsals are held every Monday night from 7:15 to 9:45 p.m. Please be in your section ready to begin warm-up by 7:15. If you must be late, please let your section representative and the Music Director know beforehand.

Breaks are 15 minutes. The sound of the chorus bell or the chime tones on the piano at the end of break time means return to your places.

ABSENCES
Singing with the San Francisco Lyric Chorus means a commitment of time, energy and attention. Please notify the Music Director and your section representative if you must be absent. Rehearsals, sectionals and dress rehearsals are mandatory.

Up to 4 absences are permitted on arrangement with the Music Director and Section Leader. If you know you are going to be absent in advance, please fill out the chorus absence form and give it to the Music Director, as well as informing your section leader. Those chorus members who must come late or leave early on a regular basis should discuss this issue with the Music Director and their section representatives.

ANY ABSENCE DURING THE LAST TWO WEEKS BEFORE THE CONCERT MUST BE APPROVED BY THE MUSIC DIRECTOR IN ADVANCE. Chorus members who have missed more than 4 rehearsals will need Music Director approval for concert participation.

REHEARSAL BEHAVIOR
Please do not talk during rehearsals. It is important to listen when the Music Director is giving directions and/or a chorister is asking a question. All chorus members learn from these interchanges. If you did not hear what was said, please ask the Music Director or your representative, rather than your neighbor. Questions may have to wait until after rehearsal. Talking and socializing are welcome before and after rehearsals and during our break.

REHEARSAL INFORMATION PRACTICES
Musical directions regarding tempi, dynamics, etc., should be written in your scores. If you have missed a rehearsal, please check with your section representative to get information, music notation, etc.

STUDY AND LEARNING
The San Francisco Lyric Chorus delights in exploring music of different types from ancient to modern, from familiar to very new. That music may be challenging in nature, and will require individual home learning time in addition to rehearsals and sectionals.

SOLOS/SMALL ENSEMBLES
From time to time, the program presents opportunities for solos and small ensemble work. The Music Director selects which parts of the program will fit these criteria and chooses the singers who will perform.

ENVIRONMENT
PLEASE DO NOT USE: perfume, hair spray, scented deodorant, soap, shaving cream, hand lotions, garlic, or other strong scents on days you are coming to rehearsals or performance.

THERE ARE LOTS OF US WHO ARE ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE, AND SCENT CAN CAUSE LIFE-THREATENING REACTIONS.

We want everyone to have the opportunity to sing, and a little care on the part of all will make a big difference for those of us who have environmental sensitivities.

CONCERT DRESS

MEN:
Tuxedo or black suit
White shirt
Black bow tie
Black socks and shoes

WOMEN:
Black, long sleeve blouses (to the wrist)
Floor length black skirt, or dressy floor length black slacks
OR long sleeved, floor length black dress
Black socks or hose
Black, closed toe shoes

No sheer or low cut, short sleeved blouses or dresses
No short skirts, slacks or dresses
No watches, jewelry, necklaces, brooches or other obvious ornamentation.

Long and black and dressy are the watchwords!

MUSIC IN FOLDERS

Music should be placed inside black folders for concert performance.

MUSIC IN PERFORMANCE

Music should be held in the hand away from the audience on both entering and exiting the performance space.

PARTICIPATION IN CHORUS WORK

The San Francisco Lyric Chorus is a nonprofit corporation, with a Board of Directors. The Music Director is our only paid employee. All of the administrative work is done by volunteer chorus members. In order to share the workload of chorus management, we ask that each chorus member participate in various chorus activities. Your participation in chorus work does make a difference.